The Dallas Arboretum announces First Anniversary Adventures, ACelebratory Soiree for Adults in a Child’s World, commemorating the opening of the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden on September 21. Co-chaired by community leaders Bettina and Dan Hennessy, the event benefits programming for the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden.
Bettina Hennessy, co-chair of First Anniversary Adventures and past president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum, said, “One year ago on September 21, the Dallas Arboretum opened this sophisticated scientific children’s garden, and our celebration will bring out the child in all of us as we enjoy full access to the entire garden. It will be a golden opportunityfor us to explore without children in tow, have fun and probably learn something new about science and nature. For those guests who have not seen the garden since its opening, the way it looks now will be a very pleasant surprise.”
Starting at 6:00 p.m., guests will enjoy cocktails in the Plaza andthe music of the outstanding Booker T. Washington Jazz Combo, under the direction of Bart Marantz. Participants can experience the garden in all its wonder as garden guides give tours and provide insight in the various galleries. Guests can conduct hands-on experiments in the Plant Lab, observe the amazing OmniGlobe in action, and even learn how to harness nature to create electricity.Dinner will begin at 7:45 p.m. with fine wine and beautiful music. Guests are encouraged to dress in cool and festive attire.
In addition to the evening’s delightful activities, the Arboretum will honor the top donors to the Children's Garden, including Rory and Howard Meyers who represent the lead gift, Harold Simmons Foundation represented by Lisa Simmons, Diane and Hal Brierley and Francie Moody-Dahlberg of the Moody Foundation. The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison will serve as the Guest of Honor, after serving as the Honorary Chair of the capital campaign to build the garden. Cecile Bonte, whose multi-year leadership as capital campaign chair helped raise the millions to build the garden, will serve as Honorary Chair.
Bettina added, “Dan and I look forward to returning to the garden with our eight grandchildren for many happy occasions in the future, and I suspect everyone who attends the party will think of children they want to bring back for a super treat."
Tables for First Anniversary Adventures start at $2,500, and single tickets start at $250 per person. To purchase tickets to the gala, visit, http://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit/seasonal-festivals-events/yearofcg. For more information about First Anniversary Adventures, contact Karen Reardon at 214-515-6601 or kreardon@dallasarboretum.org.
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About the Dallas Arboretum:
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $10. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.